p27^kip1 as a key regulator of endometriosis

p27^kip1 as a key regulator of endometriosis Gonçalves GA p27^kip1 is a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor whose specific late G1 destruction allows progression of the cell across the G1/S boundary. There is a direct relationship between low level of p27 and rapid proliferation occurring in several benign states and in many malignances. In the glandular cells of the normal endometrium, the level of p27^kip1 is exceedingly low during the proliferative phase, whereas it is markedly increased during the secretory phase. The expression of p27^kip1 in endometriosis is very low but has been found to increase following treatment with progesterone. However, estrogen exposure is considered as a major risk factor in developing endometrial cancer. Endometriosis endometrial cells cultures have also lower levels of p27^kip1 compared to heath endometrial cells cultures and restore the cell cycle balance when transduced with an adenoviral vector carring the p27^kip1 coding gene (Adp27EGFP). More uniform and rigorous studies are required to confirm these and additional markers utility in a diagnostic and possible treatment panel. As a major clinical priority is to determine which lesions can be treated medically and which require surgical intervention, focusing future studies on markers that distinguish response to hormone therapy or are involved in hormone regulation, will be important future considerations. The goal of this highlight review is to provide a broad overview of the advancements in studies about endometriosis mainly correlating the cytokine p27^kip1 expression with the diagnostic and disease treatment.